Opposition from REALTORS® and landlords prompted the Evanston City Council this week to delay action on a proposed rental licensing ordinance that opponents say would unfairly burden landlords who would have to license their properties or face fines.

Questions were also raised about whether the ordinance would violate state eviction laws.

The ordinance proposal, which the Evanston Round Table described as falling "flat in the face of withering criticism from hundreds of landlords and REALTORS®," now goes back to city staff for revisions.

The North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® and the Evanston Property Owners Association teamed up to mobilize their members, who came out in force calling, writing and speaking to members of the city council, the Evanston Round Table reports.

The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs and Housing Action Illinois, both largely devoted to tenants' rights, also submitted testimony in opposition to the ordinance.